Wi: "Proposed Comprehensive Package Discussions on Trade, Investment, and Security" ... Secretary Rubio Agrees
Rubio: "Tariff Letter Sent Uniformly ... Let's Maintain Close Communication During the Agreement Period"
Upon returning to Korea after his visit to the United States, National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak announced on July 9 that he met with US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio. During the meeting, Wi proposed the prompt holding of a Korea-US summit and suggested that the two countries work toward mutually beneficial agreements. Secretary Rubio reportedly expressed his agreement with these suggestions. Regarding the Korea-US summit, Wi stated that no specific date or time had been set, but discussions had taken place concerning overall defense costs, excluding the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on the cost-sharing for US Forces Korea.
On this day, Wi visited Washington, DC for a four-day, two-night trip to discuss bilateral issues between Korea and the US, including reciprocal tariff negotiations and a possible summit, and returned to Korea the same day. Immediately after his return, Wi briefed the media, stating, "I held in-depth discussions with Secretary Rubio in a meeting between the national security advisors of the two countries." During his visit, Wi also met with working-level officials from the Trump administration, including Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, to confirm more specific demands.
Wi explained, "I told them that our government has devoted considerable effort to addressing pending issues in the short period of just over a month since the new administration took office. I emphasized that, although there are differences of opinion between the two sides and adjustments may be needed, it is best for both countries to work together toward a resolution within the broader framework of alliance development and trust-building."
Regarding the highly anticipated reciprocal tariff negotiations, Wi revealed that he proposed to Secretary Rubio that the two sides hold comprehensive discussions encompassing investment, procurement, and security. Wi stated, "President Donald Trump's letter appears to have been drafted with a focus on tariff and non-tariff barriers. Since the issues we have raised so far cover trade, investment, procurement, and security as a whole, I suggested that we advance negotiations by considering this package comprehensively." He added that Secretary Rubio expressed agreement with this approach.
Regarding President Trump's dispatch of a "tariff letter," Wi explained, "Secretary Rubio said this letter was sent uniformly to all countries with which a trade agreement had not yet been reached ahead of the July 9 tariff negotiation deadline. He suggested that, since there is still an opportunity to reach an agreement by August 1, Korea and the US should maintain close communication." President Trump had sent a letter during Wi's visit to the US on July 7 (local time), stating that "a 25% reciprocal tariff will be imposed starting August 1."
When asked whether there would be any countermeasures regarding the Korea-US summit if an agreement is not reached by August 1, Wi responded, "We are considering various countermeasures and are taking appropriate actions. Ideally, we hope to conclude discussions through multiple channels and proceed to the summit." He continued, "The summit will be held in a comprehensive manner, and its progress will depend on the developments in negotiations. While there is a consensus to hold the summit as soon as possible, we are not definitively stating whether it will be before or after August 1. We intend to adjust according to the situation as it unfolds."
When asked about the government's objectives following this US visit, Wi replied, "It is difficult to disclose our strategy at this stage. The situation is unpredictable for any country. We will do our best, and ultimately, our goal is to eliminate tariffs; if a compromise is necessary, we will strive to minimize them."
Meanwhile, Wi predicted that discussions on defense costs, including those related to defense spending, may be prolonged by the US. He stated, "Currently, we are negotiating trade issues and also discussing security issues, among which defense costs are one of the topics. This discussion may take a considerable amount of time." Regarding the special envoy delegations to be dispatched to 14 countries, he said, "We are preparing to send them to various countries and capitals. There may be progress within the next few days."
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